Authors

Summary

Materials

Attachments

Background for Teachers

The moon shines by reflecting sunlight. Like Earth, half of the moon is always lighted by the sun's direct rays, and the other half is always in shadow. The moon has phases because, as the moon travels around Earth, different parts of its bright side are seen from Earth. Without the sun, there would be no moonlight.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Use a Science Process and Thinking Skills

Manifest Science Interests and Attitudes

Understand Science Concepts and Principles

Communicate Effectively Using Science Language and Reasoning

Instructional Procedures

Pre-Assessment/Invitation to Learn

While your students are out of the classroom, set up a mirror so that it catches the sun and reflects a bright spot of light onto a conspicuous classroom location. When the students return and notice that reflection, ask them what could be causing the bright spot of light. After a short discussion, direct their attention to the mirror. Find out how many students think the mirror is the source of the light. Next, move the mirror out of the sun's path and turn off the lights in the room. After the students have noted that the mirror makes no light, shine the flashlight onto the mirror. Guide students to conclude that the mirror makes no light of its own; however, light can bounce off (or reflect from) the mirror, causing it to shine.

Instructional Procedures

Ask the students the following questions.

Where does the moon get its light?

If the moon has no light of its own, why does it appear to shine and glow at night?

What do you think shines on the moon?

Have the students answer the first question in their journals on page 5.

Have students stand in a triangle configuration. One student holds the flashlight,
one holds the globe, and one holds the mirror.

Turn out the lights. Observe the globe.

Turn on the flashlight and shine the light on the mirror. Hold the mirror so the
light is reflected to the globe or ball. (Caution students about shining the light in
other students eyes.)

The flashlight represents the sun, the globe or ball is Earth, and mirror is the
moon. The moonlight we see from Earth comes from the sun.

Have students complete page 5 in their moon books.

Extensions

Science -

Walk around the school yard on a sunny day and observe all the objects the sun
reflects into our eyes. (ILO 1)

Language Arts -

Tell how mirrors have been used to send messages many miles away. (Standard
VII, Objective 2)

Homework & Family Connections

Conduct the experiment at home, explaining how the moon appears to have light.

Read books about Earth and moon.

Send home a list of websites and encourage students to look up with their families.